Method and apparatus for controlling an application

ABSTRACT

In an example embodiment, method, apparatus and computer program product are provided. The method includes capturing an acoustic signal by a microphone of an apparatus to generate an electrical output signal. The acoustic signal is rendered in response to a source audio signal by a speaker through at least one speaker interface element of the apparatus. The electrical output signal is compared to the source audio signal in order to determine whether the electrical output signal is being affected by mechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the speaker interface element being at least partially interfered by a user. A predetermined action is further performed in the apparatus whenever it is determined that the electrical output signal is affected by the mechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the speaker interface element being at least partially interfered by the user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various implementations relate generally to method, apparatus, andcomputer program product for control of applications.

BACKGROUND

Various electronic devices, for example, mobile phones, and othermultimedia devices are widely used for applications such as voice/videophone calls, messages, emails, playback of audio/video songs, gaming,alarm, calendar, and the like. Efforts have been made for realizingeasier control techniques of the applications in these devices, forexample, muting or pausing a song, increasing/decreasing sound level ofthe playback or muting ringtone of an incoming call. Some examples ofcontrolling the applications include using mechanical buttons or touchsensitive sections on the electronic devices. However, mechanicalconsiderations have to be taken into account for achieving control ofthe applications. Moreover, the user may require different actions to beperformed for associated situations, for example, the user may want tomute the song or to pause the song, permanently or for short durations.Accordingly, the user still wants a greater control technique overdifferent actions related to the applications. However, such techniquesfor achieving greater control over the actions related to theapplications should not add extra hardware to the electronic devices.

SUMMARY OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Various aspects of example embodiments are set out in the claims.

In a first aspect, there is provided a method comprising: capturing anacoustic signal by a microphone of an apparatus to generate anelectrical output signal wherein the acoustic signal is rendered by atleast one speaker through at least one speaker interface element of theapparatus in response to a source audio signal; comparing the electricaloutput signal to the source audio signal in order to determine whetherthe electrical output signal is being affected by mechanical vibrationscaused at least partially by the at least one speaker interface elementbeing at least partially interfered by a user; and performing apredetermined action in the apparatus whenever it is determined that theelectrical output signal is affected by the mechanical vibrations causedat least partially by the at least one speaker interface element beingat least partially interfered by the user.

In a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at leastone processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code,the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to,with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at leastperform: capture an acoustic signal by a microphone of the apparatus togenerate an electrical output signal wherein the acoustic signal isrendered by at least one speaker through at least one speaker interfaceelement of the apparatus in response to a source audio signal; comparethe electrical output signal to the source audio signal in order todetermine whether the electrical output signal is being affected bymechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at least onespeaker interface element being at least partially interfered by a user;and perform a predetermined action in the apparatus whenever it isdetermined that the electrical output signal is affected by themechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at least onespeaker interface element being at least partially interfered by theuser.

In a third aspect, there is provided a computer program productcomprising at least one computer-readable storage medium, thecomputer-readable storage medium comprising a set of instructions,which, when executed by one or more processors, cause an apparatus to atleast perform: capture an acoustic signal by a microphone of theapparatus to generate an electrical output signal wherein the acousticsignal is rendered by at least one speaker through at least one speakerinterface element of the apparatus in response to a source audio signal;compare the electrical output signal to the source audio signal in orderto determine whether the electrical output signal is being affected bymechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at least onespeaker interface element being at least partially interfered by a user;and perform a predetermined action in the apparatus whenever it isdetermined that the electrical output signal is affected by themechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at least onespeaker interface element being at least partially interfered by theuser.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means forcapturing an acoustic signal by a microphone of an apparatus to generatean electrical output signal wherein the acoustic signal is rendered byat least one speaker through at least one speaker interface element ofthe apparatus in response to a source audio signal; means for comparingthe electrical output signal to the source audio signal in order todetermine whether the electrical output signal is being affected bymechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at least onespeaker interface element being at least partially interfered by a user;and means for performing a predetermined action in the apparatuswhenever it is determined that the electrical output signal is affectedby the mechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at leastone speaker interface element being at least partially interfered by theuser.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprisingprogram instructions which when executed by an apparatus, cause theapparatus to: capture an acoustic signal by a microphone of theapparatus to generate an electrical output signal wherein the acousticsignal is rendered by at least one speaker through at least one speakerinterface element of the apparatus in response to a source audio signal;compare the electrical output signal to the source audio signal in orderto determine whether the electrical output signal is being affected bymechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at least onespeaker interface element being at least partially interfered by a user;and perform a predetermined action in the apparatus whenever it isdetermined that the electrical output signal is affected by themechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at least onespeaker interface element being at least partially interfered by theuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Various embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way oflimitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a device, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an apparatus configured for controlling applications,in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example representation of an apparatus with anon-interfered speaker interface element, in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 3B illustrates an example representation of an apparatus with aninterfered speaker interface element, in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 3C illustrates an example representation of an apparatus with aninterfered speaker interface element, in accordance with another exampleembodiment;

FIG. 4A is a graphical representation illustrating an example effect onan electrical output signal when a speaker and a microphone of anapparatus are closely located;

FIG. 4B is a graphical representation illustrating an example effect onan electrical output signal when the speaker and the microphone of theapparatus are spaced apart significantly;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting an example method for controlling anapplication, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an example method for controlling anapplication, in accordance with another example embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting an example method for controlling anapplication, in accordance with another example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments and their potential effects are understood byreferring to FIGS. 1 through 7 of the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a device 100, in accordance with an exampleembodiment. It should be understood, however, that the device 100 asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of one typeof device that may benefit from various embodiments, therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the embodiments. As such, it shouldbe appreciated that at least some of the components described below inconnection with the device 100 may be optional and thus in an exampleembodiment may include more, less or different components than thosedescribed in connection with the example embodiment of FIG. 1. Thedevice 100 could be any of a number of types of touch screen basedmobile electronic devices, for example, portable digital assistants(PDAs), mobile televisions, gaming devices, cellular phones, all typesof computers (for example, laptops, mobile computers or desktops),cameras, mobile digital assistants, or any combination of theaforementioned, and other types of communications devices.

The device 100 may include an antenna 102 (or multiple antennas) inoperable communication with a transmitter 104 and a receiver 106. Thedevice 100 may further include an apparatus, such as a controller 108 orother processing device that provides signals to and receives signalsfrom the transmitter 104 and receiver 106, respectively. The signals mayinclude signaling information in accordance with the air interfacestandard of the applicable cellular system, and/or may also include datacorresponding to user speech, received data and/or user generated data.In this regard, the device 100 may be capable of operating with one ormore air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types,and access types. By way of illustration, the device 100 may be capableof operating in accordance with any of a number of first, second, thirdand/or fourth-generation communication protocols or the like. Forexample, the device 100 may be capable of operating in accordance withsecond-generation (2G) wireless communication protocols IS-136 (timedivision multiple access (TDMA)), GSM (global system for mobilecommunication), and IS-95 (code division multiple access (CDMA)), orwith third-generation (3G) wireless communication protocols, such asUniversal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), CDMA1000, widebandCDMA (WCDMA) and time division-synchronous CDMA (TD-SCDMA), with 3.9Gwireless communication protocol such as evolved universal terrestrialradio access network (E-UTRAN), with fourth-generation (4G) wirelesscommunication protocols, or the like. As an alternative (oradditionally), the device 100 may be capable of operating in accordancewith non-cellular communication mechanisms. For example, computernetworks such as the Internet, local area network, wide area networks,and the like; short range wireless communication networks such asinclude Bluetooth® networks, Zigbee® networks, Institute of Electric andElectronic Engineers (IEEE) 802.11x networks, and the like; wirelinetelecommunication networks such as public switched telephone network(PSTN).

The controller 108 may include circuitry implementing, among others,audio and logic functions of the device 100. For example, the controller108 may include, but are not limited to, one or more digital signalprocessor devices, one or more microprocessor devices, one or moreprocessor(s) with accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or moreprocessor(s) without accompanying digital signal processor(s), one ormore special-purpose computer chips, one or more field-programmable gatearrays (FPGAs), one or more controllers, one or moreapplication-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or morecomputer(s), various analog to digital converters, digital to analogconverters, and/or other support circuits. Control and signal processingfunctions of the device 100 are allocated between these devicesaccording to their respective capabilities. The controller 108 thus mayalso include the functionality to convolutionally encode and interleavemessage and data prior to modulation and transmission. The controller108 may additionally include an internal voice coder, and may include aninternal data modem. Further, the controller 108 may includefunctionality to operate one or more software programs, which may bestored in a memory. For example, the controller 108 may be capable ofoperating a connectivity program, such as a conventional web browser.The connectivity program may then allow the device 100 to transmit andreceive web content, such as location-based content and/or other webpage content, according to a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP),Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and/or the like. In an exampleembodiment, the controller 108 may be embodied as a multi-core processorsuch as a dual or quad core processor. However, any number of processorsmay be included in the controller 108.

The device 100 may also comprise a user interface including an outputdevice such as a ringer 110, an earphone or speaker 112, a microphone114, a display 116, and a user input interface, which may be coupled tothe controller 108. The user input interface, which allows the device100 to receive data, may include any of a number of devices allowing thedevice 100 to receive data, such as a keypad 118, a touch display, amicrophone or other input device. In embodiments including the keypad118, the keypad 118 may include numeric (0-9) and related keys (#, *),and other hard and soft keys used for operating the device 100.Alternatively or additionally, the keypad 118 may include a conventionalQWERTY keypad arrangement. The keypad 118 may also include various softkeys with associated functions. In addition, or alternatively, thedevice 100 may include an interface device such as a joystick or otheruser input interface. The device 100 further includes a battery 120,such as a vibrating battery pack, for powering various circuits that areused to operate the device 100, as well as optionally providingmechanical vibration as a detectable output.

In an example embodiment, the device 100 includes a media capturingelement, such as a camera, video and/or audio module, in communicationwith the controller 108. The media capturing element may be any meansfor capturing an image, video and/or audio for storage, display ortransmission. In an example embodiment in which the media capturingelement is a camera module 122, the camera module 122 may include adigital camera capable of forming a digital image file from a capturedimage. As such, the camera module 122 includes all hardware, such as alens or other optical component(s), and software for creating a digitalimage file from a captured image. Alternatively, the camera module 122may include the hardware needed to view an image, while a memory deviceof the device 100 stores instructions for execution by the controller108 in the form of software to create a digital image file from acaptured image. In an example embodiment, the camera module 122 mayfurther include a processing element such as a co-processor, whichassists the controller 108 in processing image data and an encoderand/or decoder for compressing and/or decompressing image data. Theencoder and/or decoder may encode and/or decode according to a JPEGstandard format or another like format. For video, the encoder and/ordecoder may employ any of a plurality of standard formats such as, forexample, standards associated with H.261, H.262/MPEG-2, H.263, H.264,H.264/MPEG-4, MPEG-4, and the like. In some cases, the camera module 122may provide live image data to the display 116. Moreover, in an exampleembodiment, the display 116 may be located on one side of the device 100and the camera module 122 may include a lens positioned on the oppositeside of the device 100 with respect to the display 116 to enable thecamera module 122 to capture images on one side of the device 100 andpresent a view of such images to the user positioned on the other sideof the device 100.

The device 100 may further include a user identity module (UIM) 124. TheUIM 124 may be a memory device having a processor built in. The UIM 124may include, for example, a subscriber identity module (SIM), auniversal integrated circuit card (UICC), a universal subscriberidentity module (USIM), a removable user identity module (R-UIM), or anyother smart card. The UIM 124 typically stores information elementsrelated to a mobile subscriber. In addition to the UIM 124, the device100 may be equipped with memory. For example, the device 100 may includevolatile memory 126, such as volatile random access memory (RAM)including a cache area for the temporary storage of data. The device 100may also include other non-volatile memory 128, which may be embeddedand/or may be removable. The non-volatile memory 128 may additionally oralternatively comprise an electrically erasable programmable read onlymemory (EEPROM), flash memory, hard drive, or the like. The memories maystore any number of pieces of information, and data, used by the device100 to implement the functions of the device 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates an apparatus 200 configured for controllingapplications being executed in the apparatus 200, in accordance with anexample embodiment. The apparatus 200 may be employed, for example, inthe device 100 of FIG. 1. However, it should be noted that the apparatus200, may also be employed on a variety of other devices both mobile andfixed, and therefore, embodiments should not be limited to applicationon devices such as the device 100 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, embodimentsmay be employed on a combination of devices including, for example,those listed above. Accordingly, various embodiments may be embodiedwholly at a single device, for example, the device 100 or in acombination of devices. Furthermore, it should be noted that the devicesor elements described below may not be mandatory and thus some may beomitted in certain embodiments.

The apparatus 200 includes or otherwise is in communication with atleast one processor 202 and at least one memory 204. Examples of the atleast one memory 204 include, but are not limited to, volatile and/ornon-volatile memories. Some examples of the volatile memory include, butare not limited to, random access memory, dynamic random access memory,static random access memory, and the like. Some examples of thenon-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, hard disks,magnetic tapes, optical disks, programmable read only memory, erasableprogrammable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable readonly memory, flash memory, and the like. The memory 204 may beconfigured to store information, data, applications, instructions or thelike for enabling the apparatus 200 to carry out various functions inaccordance with various example embodiments. For example, the memory 204may be configured to buffer input data comprising media content forprocessing by the processor 202. Additionally or alternatively, thememory 204 may be configured to store instructions for execution by theprocessor 202.

An example of the processor 202 is the controller 108. The processor 202may be embodied in a number of different ways. The processor 202 may beembodied as a multi-core processor, a single core processor; orcombination of multi-core processors and single core processors. Forexample, the processor 202 may be embodied as one or more of variousprocessing means such as a coprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller,a digital signal processor (DSP), processing circuitry with or withoutan accompanying DSP, or various other processing devices includingintegrated circuits such as, for example, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), amicrocontroller unit (MCU), a hardware accelerator, a special-purposecomputer chip, or the like. In an example embodiment, the multi-coreprocessor may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory204 or otherwise accessible to the processor 202. Alternatively oradditionally, the processor 202 may be configured to execute hard codedfunctionality. As such, whether configured by hardware or softwaremethods, or by a combination thereof, the processor 202 may represent anentity, for example, physically embodied in circuitry, capable ofperforming operations according to various embodiments while configuredaccordingly. For example, if the processor 202 is embodied as two ormore of an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor 202 may be specificallyconfigured hardware for conducting the operations described herein.Alternatively, as another example, if the processor 202 is embodied asan executor of software instructions, the instructions may specificallyconfigure the processor 202 to perform the algorithms and/or operationsdescribed herein when the instructions are executed. However, in somecases, the processor 202 may be a processor of a specific device, forexample, a mobile terminal or network device adapted for employingembodiments by further configuration of the processor 202 byinstructions for performing the algorithms and/or operations describedherein. The processor 202 may include, among other things, a clock, anarithmetic logic unit (ALU) and logic gates configured to supportoperation of the processor 202.

A user interface 206 is in communication with the processor 202.Examples of the user interface 206 include, but are not limited to,input interface and/or output interface. The input interface isconfigured to receive an indication of a user input. The outputinterface provides an audible, visual, mechanical or other output and/orfeedback to the user. Examples of the input interface include, but arenot limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a keypad, a touchscreen, soft keys, a microphone, and the like. Examples of the outputinterface include, but are not limited to, a display such as lightemitting diode display, thin-film transistor (TFT) display, liquidcrystal displays, active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED)display, a microphone, a speaker, ringers, vibrators, and the like. Inan example embodiment, the user interface 206 includes, among otherdevices or elements, any or all of a speaker 208, a microphone 210, adisplay, a keyboard, touch screen, or the like. In this regard, forexample, the processor 202 may comprise user interface circuitryconfigured to control at least some functions of one or more elements ofthe user interface 206, such as, for example, the speaker 208, themicrophone 210, ringer, display, and/or the like. The processor 202and/or user interface circuitry comprising the processor 202 may beconfigured to control one or more functions of one or more elements ofthe user interface 206 through computer program instructions, forexample, software and/or firmware, stored on a memory, for example, theat least one memory 204, and/or the like, accessible to the processor202.

In some example embodiments, the speaker 208 is an electric-to-acousticspeaker, for example, an electrodynamic speaker, a flat panel speaker, adiaphragm speaker, and the like, that is made-up of electronic andelectrical components, magnetic components and/or other materials. Insuch example embodiments, the speaker 208 includes anelectric-to-acoustic transducer which converts a source audio signalinto an acoustic signal. The speaker 208 renders the acoustic signalthrough at least one speaker interface element. The speaker interfaceelement is a part of the apparatus 200, and examples of the speakerinterface element include, but not limited to, holes, apertures and anyother type of outlets or mechanical design from which the acousticsignal can be radiated.

Additionally, or alternatively, an example of the speaker 208 is anaudio display speaker, in which, a display along with other components,of the apparatus 200 is configured to generate the acoustic signal. Theaudio display speaker is capable of generating audio and tactileoutputs. The audio display speaker is driven by a suitabletransducer/actuator coupled to the display, and is capable of vibratingthe display so that the display can generate acoustic waves along withthe tactile outputs. In the example embodiment where the speaker 208 isthe audio display speaker, the at least one speaker interface element isat least one of the display and a display window.

In an example embodiment, the microphone 210 is an acoustic-to-electrictransducer or sensor which converts sound in air into a correspondingelectrical audio signal. Such microphone 210 is made of electronics andelectrical components, piezoelectric components, magnetic componentsand/or other materials. In another example embodiment, the microphone210 is a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone and/or a MEMSaccelerometer. It should be understood that there can be more than onemicrophone, such as the microphone 210 embodied in the apparatus 200,and multiple of such microphones can capture the acoustic signal.

In an example embodiment, some examples of the apparatus 200 includecommunication device, multimedia playback device, media capturing devicewith or without communication capabilities, computing devices, and thelike. For examples, the apparatus 200 includes a mobile phone,audio/video player, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like.Some examples of computing device include a laptop, a personal computer,and the like. In an example embodiment, the apparatus 200 may beembodied as to include a transceiver. The transceiver may be any deviceoperating or circuitry operating in accordance with software orotherwise embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware andsoftware. For example, the processor 202 operating under softwarecontrol, or the processor 202 embodied as an ASIC or FPGA specificallyconfigured to perform the operations described herein, or a combinationthereof, thereby configures the apparatus 200 or circuitry to performthe functions of the transceiver. The transceiver may be configured toreceive media content. Examples of the media content include audiocontent, video content, data, and a combination thereof.

These components (202-210) may communicate to each other via a printedcircuit board (212) to facilitate control of applications in theapparatus 200. In an example embodiment, the PCB 212 is directly orindirectly connected to the components (202-210). In some exampleembodiments, the PCB 212 includes a flexi-board (or flexible terminal)or a secondary PCB that can be connected to a main PCB. In certainembodiments, the PCB 212 can be a central printed circuit board (PCB)such as a motherboard, main board, system board, or logic board.

In an example embodiment, the apparatus 200 is caused to performcontrolling of an application being executed in the apparatus 200.Herein, the term ‘application’ includes any application involving one ora combination of audio, video, text, graphics, animation and images,that can be executed in the apparatus 200. Examples of the some of theapplications may include, but are not limited to, audio/video playback,gaming applications, messaging applications, voice/video calls, emailapplications, notifications, calendar, alarm and web browsing. Variousexample embodiments of controlling the application in the apparatus 200are hereinafter described.

In an example embodiment of controlling the application in the apparatus200, the processor 202 is configured to, with the content of the memory204, and optionally with other components described herein, to cause theapparatus 200 to capture an acoustic signal by the microphone 210 of theapparatus 200. The microphone 210 generates an electrical output signalin response of capturing the acoustic signal. The acoustic signal isrendered (or outputted) by the at least one speaker (for example, thespeaker 208) through at least one speaker interface element of theapparatus 200, in response to a source audio signal. Herein, theacoustic signal includes sound waves as generated by the speaker 208when the speaker 208 is driven with the source audio signal during anexecution of audio playback application or other similar applicationsusing the source audio signal. As described above, in the exampleembodiment of the speaker 208 being a typical electrical-to-acousticspeaker, examples of the at least one speaker interface element includeone or more outlets or apertures that are in form of holes or othermechanical designs in the apparatus 200 that are used to output theacoustic signal (in form of sound waves). Also, in the exampleembodiment of the speaker 208 being the audio display speaker, examplesof the at least one speaker interface element include at least one ofthe display window and the display, for example a touchscreen display ofthe apparatus 200, which is suitably designed as the audio displayspeaker, through which the acoustic signal is outputted. It isunderstood that in some example embodiments, the at least one speakerinterface element may not include the one or more outlets (for example,the one or more holes or similar mechanical designs) through which theacoustic signals are radiated, when the audio display speaker isutilized. In further alternative embodiments, the audio display speakeris implemented in such a way that the one or more outlets function atleast partially as sound generating outlets in addition to soundgenerating functionality of the audio display speaker. In such exampleembodiments, the sound waves are generated by the audio display speakerand also radiated at least partially through the one or more soundoutlets.

During execution of the application, the speaker 208 converts the sourceaudio signal (in form of an electrical signal) into the acoustic signal,and the acoustic signal is outputted through the speaker interfaceelement. The acoustic signal when captured by the microphone 210 isconverted into corresponding ‘electrical output signal’. In an exampleembodiment, the source audio signal is stored in the apparatus 200, oris received from sources external to the apparatus 200. As such theapparatus 200 is caused to receive the source audio signal from externalstorage medium such as a digital video disc (DVD), compact disk (CD),flash drive, memory card, or from external storage locations throughInternet, Bluetooth, and the like. In an example embodiment, the sourceaudio signal is streamed/stored/pre-recorded by the processor 202 alongwith other components. In an example embodiment, thestreaming/storing/pre-recording is performed prior to selection of thesource audio signal or after selection of the source audio signal by theapplication.

In an example embodiment of controlling the application in the apparatus200, the apparatus 200 is caused to compare the electrical output signalto the source audio signal in order to determine whether the electricaloutput signal is being affected by mechanical vibrations caused at leastpartially by the at least one speaker interface element (hereinafterreferred to as ‘speaker interface element’) being at least partiallyinterfered by a user or any other object. The mechanical vibrations areinternal vibrations caused in the apparatus 200 during operation of thespeaker 208, as sound waves also travel using mechanical construction ofthe apparatus 200 during operation of the speaker 208. The mechanicalvibrations are increased in intensity or signal strength when thespeaker interface element is interfered by the user or any other object.In an example embodiment, the electrical output signal is determined tobe affected by the mechanical vibrations if the speaker interfaceelement is either partially or fully interfered by the user. In theembodiment in which the speaker interface element is the outlet coupledwith the speaker 208, if the outlet is interfered, the mechanicalvibrations are enhanced and the electrical output signal is affected bythe enhanced mechanical vibrations. For instance, if the user useshis/her finger or any other object to cover/block the outlet, theelectrical output signal is affected by the enhanced mechanicalvibrations; and such effect of the mechanical vibrations on theelectrical output signal is determined based on the comparison of theelectrical output signal and corresponding source audio signal.Similarly, in the embodiment in which the speaker 208 is the audiodisplay speaker and the speaker interface element is the display, if thedisplay is partially or completely interfered (for example, covered byhand), the mechanical vibrations are enhanced and the electrical outputsignal is affected by the enhanced mechanical vibrations, and sucheffect of the mechanical vibrations on the electrical output signal isdetermined based on the comparison of the electrical output signal andcorresponding source audio signal.

In an example embodiment, for determining whether the electrical outputsignal is affected by the mechanical vibrations, the apparatus 200 iscaused to determine a difference signal (for example, a difference ofthe electrical output signal and the source audio signal) based oncomparing the electrical output signal and the source audio signal. Inan example embodiment, if a signal level of the difference signal ishigher than a threshold signal level, it is determined that theelectrical output signal is affected by the mechanical vibrations causedby the speaker interface element being interfered by the user. Further,if the signal level of the difference signal is detected to be less thanor equal to the threshold signal level, it is determined that theelectrical output signal is not affected by the mechanical vibrationscaused by the speaker interface element being interfered by the user. Inan example embodiment, the threshold signal level is a predeterminedlevel or can be set on-the-fly while using the apparatus 200. In anexample embodiment, the threshold signal level is stored in the memory204 or any other memory location accessible to the processor 202. In anexample embodiment, the electrical output signal is compared to thesource audio signal by comparing signal levels in one or more frequencybands of the electrical output signal to the signal levels incorresponding one or more frequency bands of the source audio signal. Inan example embodiment, a processing means may be configured to comparethe electrical output signal to the source audio signal in order todetermine whether the electrical output signal is being affected by themechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the speaker interfaceelement coupled to the speaker 208 of the apparatus 200 being at leastpartially interfered by the user. An example of the processing means mayinclude the processor 202, which may be an example of the controller108.

As such, it should be understood that whether the electrical outputsignal is affected by the mechanical vibrations or not, is determinedbased on a ratio of the mechanical vibrations and the acoustic signal.For instance, a difference value between the electrical output signaland the source audio signal is proportional to the ratio of themechanical vibrations and the acoustic signal. A larger differencebetween the electrical output signal and the source audio signalcorresponds to a larger ratio of the mechanical vibrations and theacoustic signal, and hence it is inferred that the electrical outputsignal is affected by the mechanical vibrations caused at leastpartially by the speaker interface element at least partially interferedby the user. Similarly, a smaller difference between the electricaloutput signal and the source audio signal corresponds to a smaller ratioof the mechanical vibrations and the acoustic signal, and hence it isinferred that the electrical output signal is not affected by themechanical vibrations and the speaker interface element is notinterfered by the user.

In an example embodiment, the apparatus 200 is caused to perform apredetermined action in the apparatus 200 whenever it is determined thatthe electrical output signal is affected by the mechanical vibrationscaused at least partially by the speaker interface element being atleast partially interfered by the user. Herein, ‘the predeterminedaction’ includes any default action or one or more customizable actionsprovided as factory setting of the apparatus 200, as well as any actionthat can be defined by the user and/or by automatic or semiautomaticmeans, during any time of use of the apparatus 200. As such, it shouldbe understood that the predetermined action includes any action that canbe executed in the apparatus 200 or by the apparatus 200. For instance,if it is determined that the electrical output signal is affected by themechanical vibrations due to interfering the speaker interface elementby the user, an intended action from one or more predetermined actionsis performed.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus 200 has multimediacapabilities encompassing audio, video, photos, and the like. In suchexample embodiments, some examples of the predetermined action include,but are not limited to, actions related to an audio playback, aaudio/video playback, gaming applications, a mute function of an alarm,a vibrate function of the alarm, a snooze function of the alarm, and atermination function of the alarm. Herein, examples of the actionsrelated to the audio playback, the audio/video playback include, but arenot limited to, a mute function for the speaker 208, a pause functionfor the speaker 208, volume adjustment of the speaker 208, and atermination (or stop) function of a currently executed application.Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 200 is, for example, acellular phone or a multimedia device having communications capabilitiesin accordance with wired, wireless, or other communications networksconfigurations. In such example embodiments, examples of thepredetermined action include, but are not limited to, a call receivefunction of an incoming call, a mute function of the incoming call, acall transfer function of the incoming call, a termination function ofthe incoming call, the call receive function in a speaker mode for theincoming call, and the termination function combined with a text messagefunction of the incoming call, playback of a notification, mute/pause ofan automatic reading of a message, email or webpage, with or withoutfunctions related to multimedia applications.

Some example embodiments of controlling an application in the apparatus200 are explained in the following description with reference to FIGS.3A-3C and 4A-4B, however, these example embodiments should not beconsidered as limiting to the scope of the present technology.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example representation 300 of an apparatus 302where a speaker interface element is not being interfered by a user, andFIG. 3B illustrates an example representation 320 of the apparatus 302where the speaker interface element is being interfered by the user, inaccordance with an example embodiment. The apparatus 302 is an exampleof the apparatus 200. In the example representations 300 and 320, theapparatus 302 includes a processor 304, at least one speaker, forexample a speaker 306, and at least one microphone, for example, amicrophone 308. It should be noted that the apparatus 302 may includecomponents other than those shown in the example representations 300 and320, for example, there can more than one such microphone 308 in theapparatus 302.

In the example representation 300, the speaker interface element 310includes holes that are positioned with respect to the speaker 306 suchthat the speaker 306 renders the acoustic signal through these holes. Inthe representation 300, the speaker interface element 310 is notinterfered by the user or any other object. Upon initiation of anapplication 312, the processor 304 along with other components accessescontent related to the execution of the application 312. In an exampleembodiment, the processor 304, based on the content related to theexecution of the application, causes a corresponding source audio signal(in form of an electrical signal) to be fed to the speaker 306 (see, anarrow 314). Further, the acoustic signal is outputted by the speaker 306through the speaker interface element 310 in response to the sourceaudio signal. The acoustic signal is captured by the microphone 308(see, an arrow 316) to generate an electrical output signal (see, anarrow 318). The processor 304 is configured to compare the electricaloutput signal and the source audio signal to determine a differencesignal. The difference signal is used to determine whether theelectrical output signal is being affected by mechanical vibrationscaused at least partially by interfering the speaker interface element310 by the user. For example, the processor 304 determines whether asignal level of the difference signal is greater than a threshold signallevel or not. In this example representation 300, since the speakerinterface element 310 is not interfered (for example, covered) by theuser, the signal level of the difference signal is less than or equal tothe threshold signal level. As the signal level of the difference signalis detected less than or equal to the threshold signal level, it isdetermined that the ratio of the mechanical vibrations to the acousticsignal is low and the electrical output signal is not affected by themechanical vibrations. Hence, the apparatus 303 continues withperforming the currently executed application, for example the playbackof audio without any interruption.

In the example representation 320, the speaker interface element 310 isshown as being interfered (e.g., blocked) by a finger 322 of the user.For instance, the finger 322 of the user is positioned over the speakerinterface element 310 such that the speaker interface element 310 ispartially or completely blocked. Such blocking of the speaker interfaceelement 310 causes a radiation of the acoustic signal (for example anaudio) to be inhibited or reduced to zero, and the mechanical vibrations(see, 324) within the apparatus 302 are also enhanced due to suchblockage of the speaker interface element 310. As the speaker interfaceelement 310 is blocked, the electrical output signal (see, arrow 318)generated by the microphone 308 is determined to be affected by themechanical vibrations. Such determination of occurrence of the speakerinterface element 310 being interfered by the user, is done based oncomparison of the electrical output signal (see, the arrow 318) and thesource audio signal. For example, the processor 304 detects whether thesignal level of the difference signal (difference of the electricaloutput signal and the source audio signal) is greater than the thresholdsignal level or not. In this scenario, as the speaker interface element310 is interfered by the user, the signal level of the difference signalis determined to be greater than the threshold signal level, and it isfurther determined that the electrical output signal is affected by themechanical vibrations caused by the interfering the speaker interfaceelement 310 by the user. A predetermined action is thereby performedupon determination of the electrical output signal being affected by themechanical vibrations caused by interfering the speaker interfaceelement 310 by the user. For instance, a mute function of the speaker306, a pause function of the speaker 306, or a termination function ofthe application 312 is performed.

FIG. 3C illustrates an example representation 330 of an apparatus 332,in accordance with another example embodiment. The apparatus 332 issimilar to the apparatus 302, however the speaker of the apparatus 332is an audio display speaker (not shown in FIG. 3C) instead of thespeaker 306 as present in the apparatus 302. It should be noted that theapparatus 332 includes components other than those shown in the examplerepresentation 330, for example the apparatus 332 includes a processor(similar to the processor 304) and at least one microphone (similar tothe microphone 308). In an example embodiment, the apparatus 332 canalso include the speaker 306 as well as the audio display speaker, andthese speakers can be used to operate individually or jointly.

In the example representation 330, a speaker interface element 334 (forexample, at least one of a display and a display window) is shown asinterfered by a hand 336 of a user. For instance, the hand 336 of theuser is positioned over the speaker interface element 334 such that thespeaker interface element 334 is partially or completely touched. Due tothe speaker interface element 334 being touched (an example ofinterfering the speaker interface element 334) by the user, theelectrical output signal captured by the microphone is determined to beaffected by mechanical vibrations. In an example embodiment, theprocessor is configured to determine the occurrence of the speakerinterface element 334 being interfered by the user based on a differencesignal of the electrical output signal and the source audio signal. Inthis representation, as the speaker interface element 334 is interferedwith the hand 336 of the user, the signal level of the difference signalis detected as greater than the threshold signal level. Accordingly, apredetermined action is thereby performed upon determination of theelectrical output signal being affected by the mechanical vibrationscaused by the speaker interface element 334 interfered by the user.

Various example embodiments offer, among other several benefits, designflexibility in terms of positioning the speaker and the microphone in anapparatus such as the apparatus 200 or the apparatus 302, which aredescribed with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIG. 4A is a graphical representation 400 illustrating an example effecton an electrical output signal when a speaker and a microphone of anapparatus (for example, the apparatus 200 or 302) are located close toeach other, and FIG. 4B is a graphical representation 420 illustratingan example effect on an electrical output signal when the speaker andthe microphone of the apparatus are significantly spaced apart. Itshould be noted that the graphical representations 400 and 420 are shownfor representation purposes only; and such representations are notprovided to represent accuracy of the electrical output signals, but tofacilitate description of some example embodiments only.

In the graphical representation 400, X-axis represents frequency inHertz (Hz) and Y-axis represents average energy of the electrical outputsignal, in decibels (dB), which is generated based on capture of anacoustic signal by the microphone 210. The graphical representation 400relates to a scenario where the speaker 306 and the microphone 308 ofthe apparatus 302 are positioned close to each other, for example atapproximately 0.5 centimeter (cm). A spectrum 405 indicates energy levelof the electrical output signal along frequency where the speakerinterface element (for example, an outlet coupled to the speaker throughwhich acoustic signal is outputted) is not interfered by the user. Anexample of the outlet is the speaker interface element 310 shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. A spectrum 410 (not in accordance with exampleembodiments of the present disclosure) indicates energy level of theelectrical output signal along frequency where an object such as user'sfinger 322 is placed close to the outlet, but does not interfere with(for example, cover) the outlet. For instance, the user's finger 322 isat a distance of approximately 1 cm close to the outlet for plotting thespectrum 410. A spectrum 415 is in accordance with example embodimentsof the present disclosure, and indicates energy level of the electricaloutput signal along frequency where the outlet is interfered by anobject such as user's finger 322. As illustrated in the representation400, when the speaker 208 and the microphone 210 are located close toeach other, the spectrums 405 and 410 are almost similar and adifference between the spectrums 405 and 410 may not be easilydetermined and is prone to errors. However, the spectrum 415 (i.e., inaccordance with embodiments of present disclosure) is significantlydifferent than the spectrum 405, and the difference can easily bedetermined by the processor 202.

In the graphical representation 420, X-axis represents frequency inHertz (Hz) and Y-axis represents average energy of the electrical outputsignal, in decibels (dB), which is generated based on capture of theacoustic signal by the microphone 210. The graphical representation 420relates to a scenario where the speaker 306 and the microphone 306 ofthe apparatus 302 are spaced apart significantly, for example atapproximately 13 cm. A spectrum 425 indicates energy level of theelectrical output signal along frequency where the outlet (the speakerinterface element 310) of the apparatus 200 is not covered by the user.A spectrum 430 relates to an example scenario and is not in accordancewith example embodiments of the present disclosure. The spectrum 430indicates energy level of the electrical output signal along frequency,where an object such as the user's finger 322 is placed close to theoutlet, but does not cover the outlet. For instance, the user's finder322 (or hand) is at a distance of approximately 1 cm close to the outletfor plotting the spectrum 430. A spectrum 435 is in accordance withexample embodiments of the present disclosure, and indicates energylevel of the electrical output signal along frequency when the outlet iscovered by the user's finger 322.

As illustrated in the representation 420, there is a noticeabledifference in the spectrums 425 and 430 when the speaker 306 and themicrophone 308 are spaced apart significantly, as opposed to a minimaldifference between the spectrums 405 and 415 (see, the representation400 of FIG. 4A) when the speaker 306 and the microphone 308 are notspaced apart significantly. Hence, for the existing example scenariothat is not in accordance with example embodiments of the presentdisclosure, it is a design limitation to position a speaker and amicrophone significantly spaced apart in an apparatus. However,embodiments of the present disclosure offer solutions that are capableof providing noticeable difference in energy of the electrical outputsignal when the outlet is covered and when the outlet is not covered bythe user, irrespective of positions of the speaker 308 and themicrophone 308 with respect to each other. For instance, there issignificant difference between the spectrums 415 and 405, and alsobetween the spectrums 435 and 425. Hence, various example embodiments ofthe present disclosure enable design flexibility and these exampleembodiments do not require additional hardware modifications as well.

In some scenarios, for example, if the apparatus (e.g., the apparatus302 or the apparatus 322) is placed in a back pocket of clothing by theuser, the speaker interface element (e.g., the outlet represented by thespeaker interface element 310 or the display 334) can be unintentionallyinterfered. In an example embodiment, signal levels of the electricaloutput signal in frequency bands corresponding to such scenarios arepredetermined and stored in the apparatus. Hence, when the speakerinterface element is interfered unintentionally, the signal levels ofthe electrical output signal in corresponding frequency bands arecompared against the stored signal levels and no predetermined action isperformed, thereby making implementation of various example embodimentsrobust.

Some example embodiments of methods of controlling an application in anapparatus are further described in reference with FIGS. 5 to 7.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting an example method 500 for controlling anapplication in an apparatus, in accordance with an example embodiment.The method 500 is shown and explained with reference to FIG. 2 and alsowith reference to FIGS. 3A-3C. The method 500 depicted in the flowchartis executed by, for example, the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2, and/or theapparatuses 302 and 322 described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C.

At 502, the method 500 includes capturing an acoustic signal by amicrophone (e.g., the microphone 210) of an apparatus (e.g., theapparatus 200) to generate an electrical output signal. The acousticsignal is rendered by at least one speaker (e.g., the speaker 208) inresponse to a source audio signal through at least one speaker interfaceelement. As described with reference to FIG. 2, examples of the at leastone speaker are various known electrical-to-acoustic speakers, and alsoan audio display speaker. The examples of the at least one speakerinterface element include holes, outlets or similar mechanicalconfigurations through which the acoustic signal can be radiated. In theembodiment where the speaker is the audio display speaker, the at leastone speaker interface element is at least one of the display and adisplay window. Herein, capturing the acoustic signal by the microphone210 includes converting the acoustic signal into the electrical outputsignal.

At 504, the method 500 includes comparing the electrical output signalto the source audio signal in order to determine whether the electricaloutput signal is being affected by mechanical vibrations caused at leastpartially by the at least one speaker interface element (hereinafterreferred to as ‘speaker interface element’) being at least partiallyinterfered by a user. The source audio signal is stored in or isaccessible by the apparatus. The source audio signal is compared withthe electrical output signal by a processor, for example the processor202, as described with reference to FIG. 2. In some example embodiments,the electrical output signal is compared to the source audio signal bycomparing signal levels in one or more frequency bands of the electricaloutput signal to signal levels in corresponding one or more frequencybands of the source audio signal. The mechanical vibrations are internalvibrations caused in the apparatus during operation of the speaker. Themechanical vibrations are increased in intensity or signal strength whenthe speaker interface element is interfered by the user, as suchinterference enhances the sound pressure levels inside the apparatus200. Accordingly, when the speaker interface element is either partiallyor fully interfered with by the user, there is a significant differencedetected between the source audio signal and the electrical outputsignal, and based on the detection of the difference it is determinedthat the speaker interface element is interfered by the user. Someexample embodiments of comparison of the electrical output signal andthe source audio signal to determine whether the electrical outputsignal is being affected by the mechanical vibrations are described withreference to FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B and 3C. For instance, in an exampleembodiment, the electrical output signal is determined to be affected bythe mechanical vibrations by determining a difference signal of theelectrical output signal to the source audio signal, and detecting if asignal level of the difference signal is greater than a threshold signallevel. In an example embodiment, the threshold signal level is apredetermined level or can be customized by the user.

At 506, the method 500 includes performing a predetermined action in theapparatus whenever it is determined that the electrical output signal isaffected by the mechanical vibrations caused at least partially by thespeaker interface element being at least partially interfered by theuser. Examples of the predetermined action include any function oraction defined by user, automatic means, semi-automatic means, oractions set in form of factory settings. Some examples of thepredetermined action are described with reference to FIG. 2. Forinstance, various examples of predetermined actions include, but are notlimited to, actions related to audio/video playback, a mute function ofthe speaker, a pause function of the speaker, a termination function ofthe application, a call receive function of an incoming call, a mutefunction of the incoming call, a call transfer function of the incomingcall, a termination function of the incoming call, the call receivefunction in a speaker mode of the incoming call, the terminationfunction combined with a text message function for the incoming call, amute function of an alarm, a vibrate function of the alarm, a snoozefunction of the alarm, a termination function of the alarm, actionsrelated to games, web browsing, and the like.

Some example embodiments of the control of an application in anapparatus are further explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an example method for controlling anapplication in an apparatus, in accordance with another exampleembodiment. The method 600 is shown and explained with reference to FIG.2. The method 600 depicted in the flowchart can be executed by, forexample, the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. The method 600 starts at block602.

At 604, the method 600 includes performing playback (for example, amultimedia playback) by a speaker of the apparatus. The speaker is anexample of the speaker 208 and the apparatus is an example of theapparatus 200. As such, upon receipt of a request for execution of anapplication for the playback, the speaker is activated, and the acousticsignal is rendered (outputted) through the speaker interface element ofthe apparatus. In an example embodiment, the acoustic signal isoutputted in response to a source audio signal by the speaker throughthe speaker interface element.

At 606, the method 600 includes capturing the acoustic signal by amicrophone (e.g., the microphone 210) of the apparatus to generate anelectrical output signal. At 608, the method 600 includes determining adifference signal by comparing the electrical output signal to thesource audio signal. In an example embodiment, the electrical outputsignal is compared to the source audio signal by comparing signal levelsin one or more frequency bands of the electrical output signal to signallevels in corresponding one or more frequency bands of the source audiosignal.

At 610, the method 600 includes comparing if a signal level of thedifference signal is greater than a threshold signal level. In anexample embodiment, the threshold signal level is a predetermined signallevel stored in the apparatus. If the signal level of the differencesignal is not greater than the threshold signal level, the method 600goes to block 612 else operation at the block 614 is performed. At 612,the method 600 determines occurrence of a non-interfered speakerinterface element, as it is determined that the electrical output signalis not affected by any mechanical vibrations caused by the speakerinterface element being interfered by the user. Herein, ‘non-interferedspeaker interface element’ refers to a scenario where the speakerinterface element is not interfered by the user. As it is determinedthat the speaker interface element is not interfered by the user, themethod 600 continues performing the playback.

At 610, if the signal level of the difference signal is more than thethreshold signal level, it is determined that the electrical outputsignal is affected by the mechanical vibrations caused at leastpartially by the speaker interface element being interfered by the user.Accordingly, at 614, the method 600 determines occurrence of aninterfered speaker interface element.

Further, at 616, the method 600 includes performing a mute function (anexample of the predetermined action) of the speaker. Accordingly, theacoustic signal rendered by the speaker is stopped. The method 600 stopsat 618. In an alternate embodiment, the mute function is performed aslong as the user continues interfering the speaker interface element. Inanother alternate embodiment, the mute function is performed for apredefined duration of time, where the predefined duration of timedepends upon the implementation. It should be noted that othervariations can also be implemented for performing the predeterminedactions upon determination of the speaker interface element beinginterfered by the user.

Another example embodiment of controlling an application in an apparatusis described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting an example method for controlling anapplication in an apparatus, in accordance with another exampleembodiment. The method 700 is shown and explained with reference to FIG.2. The method 700 depicted in the flowchart can be executed by, forexample, the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. The method 700 starts at block702.

At 704, the method 700 includes performing a playback by of an incomingcall ringtone by a speaker of the apparatus. The speaker is an exampleof the speaker 208 and the apparatus is an example of the apparatus 200.As such, upon receipt of the incoming call, the speaker is activated bythe processor of the apparatus for playback of the incoming callringtone. The incoming call ringtone is stored in form of a source audiosignal that is fed to the speaker for the playback and an acousticsignal is outputted in response to the source audio signal through thespeaker interface element.

At 706, the method 700 includes capturing the acoustic signal by amicrophone (e.g., the microphone 210) of the apparatus to generate anelectrical output signal. At 708, the method 700 includes determining adifference signal by comparing the electrical output signal to thesource audio signal. In an example embodiment, the electrical outputsignal is compared to the source audio signal by comparing signal levelsin one or more frequency bands of the electrical output signal to signallevels in corresponding one or more frequency bands of the source audiosignal, to thereby determine the difference signal.

At 710, the method 700 includes comparing if a signal level of thedifference signal is greater than a threshold signal level. In anexample embodiment, the threshold signal level is a predetermined signallevel stored in the apparatus. If the signal level of the differencesignal is not greater than the threshold signal level, the method 700goes to block 712 else operation at the block 714 is performed. At 712,the method 700 determines occurrence of a non-interfered speakerinterface element, as it is determined that the electrical output signalis not affected by any mechanical vibrations caused by the speakerinterface element interfered by the user. As it is determined that thespeaker interface element is not interfered by the user, the method 700continues performing the playback of the incoming call ringtone.

At 714, the method 700 determines occurrence of an interfered speakerinterface element. For example, as the difference signal is more thanthe threshold signal level, it is determined that the electrical outputsignal is affected by the mechanical vibrations caused at leastpartially by interfering the speaker interface element being at leastpartially interfered by the user. At 716, the method 700 includesperforming a call reject function of the incoming call in the apparatus,and accordingly the incoming call is rejected. The method 700 stops at718.

It should be understood that the methods 600 and 700 are provided withreference to two examples (mute function and call reject function) only,however various other types of predetermined actions are performed inthe apparatus based on a continuous comparison of the source audiosignal and the electrical output signal by the processor. For example,at any time instance, if it is determined that the electrical outputsignal is affected by the mechanical vibrations caused by interferingthe speaker interface element by the user, the predetermined action isperformed in the apparatus.

It should be noted that to facilitate discussions of the flowcharts ofFIGS. 5, 6, and 7, certain operations are described herein asconstituting distinct steps performed in a certain order. Suchimplementations are examples only and non-limiting in scope. Certainoperation may be grouped together and performed in a single operation,and certain operations may be performed in an order that differs fromthe order employed in the examples set forth herein. Moreover, certainoperations of the methods 500, 600, and 700 are performed in anautomated fashion. These operations involve substantially no interactionwith the user. Other operations of the methods 500, 600, and 700 may beperformed by in a manual fashion or semi-automatic fashion. Theseoperations involve interaction with the user via one or more userinterface presentations.

The methods depicted in these flowcharts may be executed by, forexample, the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. Operations of the flowchart, andcombinations of operation in the flowcharts, may be implemented byvarious means, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry and/orother device associated with execution of software including one or morecomputer program instructions. For example, one or more of theprocedures described in various embodiments may be embodied by computerprogram instructions. In an example embodiment, the computer programinstructions, which embody the procedures, described in variousembodiments may be stored by at least one memory device of an apparatusand executed by at least one processor in the apparatus. Any suchcomputer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or otherprogrammable apparatus (for example, hardware) to produce a machine,such that the resulting computer or other programmable apparatus embodymeans for implementing the operations specified in the flowchart. Thesecomputer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readablestorage memory (as opposed to a transmission medium such as a carrierwave or electromagnetic signal) that may direct a computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that theinstructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an articleof manufacture the execution of which implements the operationsspecified in the flowchart. The computer program instructions may alsobe loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause aseries of operations to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions, which execute on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus, provide operations for implementing theoperations in the flowchart. The operations of the methods are describedwith help of apparatus 200. However, the operations of the methods maybe described and/or practiced by using any other apparatus.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application ofthe claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of theexample embodiments disclosed herein is to improve control ofapplications in an apparatus. Various example embodiments provision foraccurate and reliable methods of controlling the applications that arecurrently executed in the apparatus, thereby enabling desiredpredetermined actions to be performed. Various example embodimentsprovision for easy control of the multimedia applications as no extrahardware is required, and also offer design flexibility in terms ofpositioning of the speaker and microphone in the apparatus.

Various embodiments described above may be implemented in software,hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware andapplication logic. The software, application logic and/or hardware mayreside on at least one memory, at least one processor, an apparatus or,a computer program product. In an example embodiment, the applicationlogic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one ofvarious conventional computer-readable media. In the context of thisdocument, a “computer-readable medium” may be any media or means thatcan contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructionsfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device, such as a computer, with one example of anapparatus described and depicted in FIGS. 1 and/or 2. Acomputer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage mediumthat may be any media or means that can contain or store theinstructions for use by or in connection with an instruction executionsystem, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed ina different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, ifdesired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional ormay be combined.

Although various aspects of the embodiments are set out in theindependent claims, other aspects comprise other combinations offeatures from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims withthe features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinationsexplicitly set out in the claims.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes exampleembodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed ina limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modificationswhich may be made without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure as defined in the appended claims.

1. A method comprising: capturing an acoustic signal by a microphone ofan apparatus to generate an electrical output signal wherein theacoustic signal is rendered by at least one speaker through at least onespeaker interface element of the apparatus in response to a source audiosignal; comparing the electrical output signal to the source audiosignal in order to determine whether the electrical output signal isbeing affected by mechanical vibrations caused at least partially by theat least one speaker interface element being at least partiallyinterfered by a user; and performing a predetermined action in theapparatus whenever it is determined that the electrical output signal isaffected by the mechanical vibrations caused at least partially by theat least one speaker interface element being at least partiallyinterfered by the user.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, whereincomparing the electrical output signal to the source audio signalcomprises comparing signal levels in one or more frequency bands of theelectrical output signal to signal levels in corresponding one or morefrequency bands of the source audio signal.
 3. The method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein determining whether the electrical output signal isbeing affected by the mechanical vibrations comprises: determining adifference signal based on the comparison of the electrical outputsignal to the source audio signal; and comparing a signal level of thedifference signal to a threshold signal level, wherein the electricaloutput signal is determined to be affected by the mechanical vibrationsif the signal level is greater than the threshold signal level.
 4. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microphone comprises amicroelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone.
 5. The method asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one speaker interface elementcomprises one or more outlets through which the acoustic signal isrendered.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least onespeaker comprises an audio display speaker.
 7. The method as claimed inclaim 6, wherein the at least one speaker interface element comprises atleast one of a display window and a display.
 8. The method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the predetermined action in the apparatus comprises atleast one of a mute function of the at least one speaker, a pausefunction of the at least one speaker, a termination function of amultimedia application and one or more playback functions of themultimedia application.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thepredetermined action in the apparatus comprises a call receive functionof an incoming call, a mute function of the incoming call, a calltransfer function of the incoming call, a termination function of theincoming call, the call receive function in a speaker mode of theincoming call, and the termination function combined with a text messagefunction of the incoming call.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 1,wherein the predetermined action in the apparatus comprises a mutefunction of an alarm, a vibrate function of the alarm and a snoozefunction of the alarm.
 11. An apparatus comprising: at least oneprocessor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, theat least one memory and the computer program code configured to, withthe at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform:capture an acoustic signal by a microphone of the apparatus to generatean electrical output signal wherein the acoustic signal is rendered byat least one speaker through at least one speaker interface element ofthe apparatus in response to a source audio signal; compare theelectrical output signal to the source audio signal in order todetermine whether the electrical output signal is being affected bymechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at least onespeaker interface element being at least partially interfered by a user;and perform a predetermined action in the apparatus whenever it isdetermined that the electrical output signal is affected by themechanical vibrations caused at least partially by the at least onespeaker interface element being at least partially interfered by theuser.
 12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein for comparingthe electrical output signal to the source audio signal, the apparatusis further caused, at least in part to compare signal levels in one ormore frequency bands of the electrical output signal to signal levels incorresponding one or more frequency bands of the source audio signal.13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein for determiningwhether the electrical output signal is being affected by the mechanicalvibrations, the apparatus is further caused, at least in part to:determine a difference signal based on the comparison of the electricaloutput signal to the source audio signal; and compare a signal level ofthe difference signal to a threshold signal level, wherein theelectrical output signal is determined to be affected by the mechanicalvibrations if the signal level is greater than the threshold signallevel.
 14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the microphonecomprises a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone.
 15. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one speakerinterface element comprises one or more outlets through which theacoustic signal is rendered.
 16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11,wherein the at least one speaker comprises an audio display speaker. 17.The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one speakerinterface element comprises at least one of a display window and adisplay.
 18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein thepredetermined action in the apparatus comprises at least one of a mutefunction of the at least one speaker, a pause function of the at leastone speaker, a termination function of a multimedia application and oneor more playback functions of the multimedia application.
 19. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the predetermined action inthe apparatus comprises a call receive function of an incoming call, amute function of the incoming call, a call transfer function of theincoming call, a termination function of the incoming call, the callreceive function in a speaker mode of the incoming call, and thetermination function combined with a text message function of theincoming call.
 20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, furthercomprising: a user interface and user interface software configured tofacilitate a user to control at least one function of the apparatusthrough use of a display and further configured to respond to userinputs, wherein the display is configured to display at least a portionof the user interface and the display is configured to facilitate theuser to control at least one function of the apparatus.